My name is Winfrid Tamba, a graduate student in the Department of Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership (ACEL) at The Ohio State University, funded through the Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative (iAGRI). My studies focus on Agricultural and Extension Education, with a specialization in Community and Extension Education. Currently I’m working with the local government authority as an Agricultural Extension Agent in Masasi District Council, Tanzania.

The economy of Bangladesh is mostly dependent on agriculture, although other sectors contribute significantly to the economy as well, such as industry, skilled manpower, and services. I was born and raised in a village of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Vast crop fields, water resources, and cultivation practices amazed me growing up. When I was young, I noticed so many diseases existed and insects present in the vegetable fields in my hometown, but I did not know what they were.

They say that in order for one to be successful in each aspect of life, one of the key attributes is what you are doing and doing it whole heartedly. In other words, do something that will make you smile. This principle is also true academically, professionally and socially.

It's only been a few weeks since she arrived on campus to begin her graduate studies within Ohio State's Department of Agricultural Communication, Environment, and Leadership, but Joyce Mwakatoga is already diving into all of the opportunities to get involved that Ohio State University and the City of Columbus have to offer. Here is just a short overview of what she has experienced during her short time on campus!